We recognize we are all on a journey towards these standards. Youth ministry is relational; there is always more self-reflection and deepening we can do as our own lives unfold and we change and grow. Learn and grow together by using the competencies in your advisor/teacher development and watching the Youth Ministry Training webinar series for each competency. For a list of resources accompanying the webinar series please refer to the Competencies Resource List (PDF, 5 pages).

It is important that all religious professionals are aware of these areas of competency as they work with youth and support volunteers and staff. Ministers and religious educators can use the competencies to work together in evaluating the goals of their youth ministry program.

Ace Youth Ministry

Each competency has three categories: entry level (critical for volunteers to have on day one), basic (forms the foundation of a healthy youth ministry), and advanced (appropriate for long-term volunteers, paid staff, and other highly committed adults). A competent adult in youth ministry strives to excel in all eight areas of their category.

Being truly inclusive of different identities and individuals is a key part of our Unitarian Universalist (UU) theology. It is important that adults recognize that, developmentally, adolescents care deeply about being included and seen.

Get familiar with the most modern models of youth programming. Learn multiple ways to do youth ministry. Ensure that youth feel like they have a home in their spiritual community that goes beyond just meeting with other youth.

Most of youth ministry, like all ministry, is not really about doing. It's about being. Are adults being authentic, caring and in real relationship? Are they knowledgeable about themselves and their UU theology?

Youth ministry is not solo ministry; it is a piece of the larger structure of the congregation. There are many reasons adults should not work solo including safety policies, the risk of burnout, and the power collaboration brings. Mentoring and being mentored makes us all stronger!